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Wills, Trusts and Probate

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Whilst it is not a pleasant topic of conversation, it is a fact of life that we're all going to die eventually. The consequences for those who are left behind can lead to all manner of difficulties and complications, if the deceased did not make any plans for the inevitable.

Making a Will

Arguably a will is the most important document that you will ever make, and you should not be without, especially if you have a partner and/or children. Writing a will is the only way you can ensure your loved ones are looked after properly in the way you would want.

If you have no immediate relative's, searches will have to be implemented to establish the whereabouts of distant relatives to inherit your estate.

If you have no relatives at all, any property will be left to the Crown whereas you may have wanted it to be left to a friend or to a charity.

Probate Law

Whether or not a person has made a will, when they die their estate still needs to be sorted out.

In the vast majority of cases this means that someone will have to apply for a grant of representation. This can either be a grant of probate where there is a will or a grant of letters of administration where there is not a will. Where a person only owns assets jointly or where their assets held in their sole name total less than £5000 a grant of representation will usually be unnecessary.

Why do I need a Grant of Probate when I have a Will?

Get legal advice on what to do when someone dies and how to make an application for a grant. Read our dedicated Probate section or contact us online or by phone on 0121 746 3360.

Trusts and Financial and Tax Planning

Setting up a trust can be a tax efficient way of administering your property and providing for your loved ones after your death. There are many different types of trust so it is important to take expert advice on what type of trust will suit you and your families circumstances best.

Lasting Power of Attorney

A Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) is a legal document that you can draw up to appoint someone to look after your affairs and to make decisions on your behalf, in the event that you should lose mental capacity. If you become unable to make decisions about your property, finances or health and welfare then having an LPA in place allows someone you trust to look after these decisions for you or to help you make those decisions.